Missouri Director of Ag Reacts to Secretary Rollins’ Visit, USDA Plan to Help Farmers

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (RFD-TV) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Missouri last week to unveil a new five-step plan aimed at supporting the farm economy during a time of high input costs and challenging markets. While in the state, Rollins toured local operations, including Missouri producer Marty Richardson’s farm, and met directly with producers to hear their concerns.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share highlights from the visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.

In her conversation with RFD-TV News, Chinn described the value of bringing Secretary Rollins to Missouri to witness firsthand the work being done by the state’s producers. She also recapped the announcement of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Justice Department to examine fertilizer and seed costs, emphasizing how those rising expenses have put pressure on Missouri farmers.

Chinn underscored the importance of open dialogue between producers and federal leaders, sharing her insights into the broader conversations that took place during the farm tour — from harvest progress to the ongoing challenges farmers are facing this season.

Related Stories
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
Wed, 1/21/26 – 7:30 PM ET